Sophie Wharam will probably do "a bit more training" before she runs another half-marathon.

Sam Wreford of Timaru, won the Men's Auckland Marathon while Kirsten Molloy from Australia, won the Women's Marathon. Photos / Brett Phibbs / Getty Images

Getting to the start line is at least half the battle for any first-time marathon runner. Saatchi Goldwater, a 23-year-old marketing manager who is aiming to complete her first Auckland Marathon tomorrow, knows she wouldn't have got there alone.

To many Kiwis the thought may seem hard to comprehend. In Britain a marathon runner when completing the gruelling challenge is less likely to be asked what time they have taken but more likely how much money they have raised for charity.

Runners and walkers of all ages can get off the couch and into the fitness race during the Unitec Run Walk series.

More than 45,000 cheered along the Auckland Marathon in the sunshine yesterday for events ranging from a full 42.2km to a 5km run and walk.

Were you at the marathon?Send us your photos

The Auckland marathon attracted tens of thousands to the central city, with a new women's course record set by a Christchurch woman.

Runners gave it their all from Devonport to Victoria Park in the Adidas Auckland Marathon.

As Bevan Hurley steps up his training he recalls how a friend’s running challenge two years ago changed his life.

You've bought your Auckland Marathon ticket, now what? Danielle Wright finds out it's not just a case of throwing on a pair of shoes, running is a skill to be learned.